The Montague community 5K that supports suicide prevention is the **Colors for Hope 5K**, a color-run fundraiser in Montague, Michigan. According to its official event listing, the race raises money for youth suicide prevention, and 2026 marks its fifth annual running. For runners weighing whether to sign up, the practical details are simple: it is a low-cost, family-friendly color run with proceeds going directly to school-based prevention programs. This article covers the date, cost, cause, and what the money actually funds.
Medical information disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or other qualified health professional about symptoms, medications, tests, or treatment decisions.
Table of Contents
- When and where the race happens
- What it costs and how to register
- Who the race honors and what it funds
- Why school-based prevention is the target
- If you or someone you know needs help now
- Frequently Asked Questions
When and where the race happens
The 2026 Colors for Hope 5K is set for **Saturday, July 25, 2026**, with a 9 a.m. start. Per the TriFind event page, runners gather at the Montague Band Shell area, 8636 Water St, Montague, MI 49437.
A "color run" means volunteers throw safe, powdered color at participants along the course, so wear clothes you don't mind staining. These events prioritize participation over speed, which makes them approachable for walkers, families, and first-time 5K runners. If you want a competitive time, note the format below. The race offers both timed and untimed options, so you can choose your level of seriousness.
What it costs and how to register
Registration runs about **$20 for the untimed option and $30 for the timed option**, handled through RunSignup. That price sits at the affordable end for organized 5K events, many of which charge $35 or more. Here is a quick checklist before you sign up:.
- Decide between timed ($30) and untimed ($20) entry.
- Register online through the official RunSignup page.
- Plan for old or white clothing you can let get colorful.
- Arrive with time to park near the Band Shell before the 9 a.m. start.
Who the race honors and what it funds
The event honors **Ava Rose VanderStelt**, a local youth who died by suicide in 2022. Proceeds benefit the Ava VanderStelt Scholarship Fund, which carries her name forward through prevention work.
According to WOODTV's report on the race, organizers say 100% of proceeds fund scholarships for local high schools and Hope Squads at Montague and Whitehall High Schools. Hope Squad is a peer-led, school-based suicide prevention program that trains students to spot warning signs and connect at-risk classmates with trusted adults. That funding model matters for donors: your entry fee stays local and reaches students directly, rather than covering large administrative overhead.
Why school-based prevention is the target
Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. The CDC reports roughly 49,000 suicide deaths each year, with males at the highest risk. Programs like Hope Squad focus on young people because peers often notice distress before adults do.
Training students to recognize warning signs and refer friends to help addresses that gap early, which is where school-based prevention aims to make a difference. For runners on a health-focused site, this is a clear way to connect fitness with a cause. A 5K is accessible, and the funds support a specific, measurable local program rather than a vague general appeal.
If you or someone you know needs help now
You do not need to wait for an event to find support. The **988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline** offers free, confidential help 24 hours a day by call, text, or chat, according to the federal 988 program. Warning signs worth acting on include: If you notice these in yourself or someone else, reach out to 988 or a trusted person rather than waiting.
- Talking about wanting to die or feeling like a burden.
- Withdrawing from friends, activities, or usual routines.
- Extreme mood swings, giving away possessions, or increased substance use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to run the whole 5K?
No. Color runs welcome walkers, and the untimed option lets you go at any pace.
Where does my registration money go?
Organizers say 100% of proceeds fund scholarships and Hope Squads at Montague and Whitehall High Schools.
Can kids or families participate?
Yes. Color runs are designed to be family-friendly and accessible for first-time participants.
